The Transformation of Polish-Ukrainian Relations in the Context of Migration Policy Implementation

Abstract

In 2022, Russia's war against Ukraine shook the world and kickstarted an active humanitarian operation to save war-affected Ukrainians. All the neighbouring countries of Ukraine were forced to react actively. However, the subsequent refugee crisis affected Poland the most. Currently, Poland is playing the most important role among the countries receiving war refugees from Ukraine, which raises obvious questions about future developments and possible future challenges in relations between Ukraine and Poland and, above all, migration policy itself. The objective of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Poland's policy in the fi eld of accepting refugees and to examine the relevant legislation and procedures related to Ukrainian refugees, thereby shedding light on the assistance and support mechanisms put in place by the Polish authorities. Furthermore, this study seeks to draw insightful conclusions regarding the impact of Ukrainian refugees on Poland's economic and social spheres, in addition to exploring the refugees' integration into various aspects of daily life. A critical aspect of this research involves a comparative analysis to ascertain whether Poland's policy towards Ukrainian refugees has undergone any significant changes since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 24th, 2022. This timeline provides a crucial backdrop for understanding how evolving geopolitical dynamics may have influenced Poland's approach. This research employs a multidisciplinary approach, utilising a combination of data collection, policy analysis, and an extensive review of relevant literature to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex issue at hand.